Box 7 on a 1099-R is blank. No code! Northern Trust says there should NOT be a code. TurboTax says it needs a code. What now?

[IreneS]

Did Norther Trust give a reason for no code in box 7?  What kind of distribution was it?

[fniepold]

It's just a normal distribution, like last year, and just like three other 1099-Rs I have. Northern Trust says no code is required (which I thought!). There are no codes on Box 7 of the other 1099-Rs I have.

[dmertz]

A Form 1099-R without a code in box 7 is not valid.

If you are over age 59½, are you sure that box 7 does not have code 7?  It's not uncommon for people to miss seeing a code 7 since it is the same as the box number.

[fniepold]

Well, I figured it out. The box on the 1099-R is actually divided into two boxes; the left hand side has a code "7" in it, the right hand side has a box in it which is empty. I guess I took the "7" on the left hand side to be a repeat of the line # 7, instead of the code you need. So, I'm the dummy. Sorry to bother you.

[IreneS]

It's an easy mistake.  You were smart enough to ask the question!!!!

[IreneS]

If it was a regular distribution, go ahead and put code 7 in box 7.  As dmertz points out, a 1099-R without a code in box 7 is not valid.   I would speak to someone higher up at Northern Trust and pursue the issue.

[e38543]

"are you sure that box 7 does not have code 7?  It's not uncommon for people to miss seeing a code 7 since it is the same as the box number."

Outstanding, thanks!  That was it!